Elevate takes off in the Heart of Courtenay this weekend!

The 3rd Annual Elevate Arts is about to launch Downtown Courtenay into a massive celebration of art, culture and community.

Over 300 performers, artists and exhibitors are ready to take the town by storm between June 4th and 7th in over 15 venues throughout the downtown core.

Elevate is a unique multi-disciplinary festival dedicated to re-imagining our community through arts and culture and breaking down barriers between audiences and performers. Elevate is participatory, engaging and exciting so leave your lawn chair at home and be prepared to spend the whole day immersed in the adventure. The event is completely FREE to attend and entirely volunteer run!

Elevate offers Puppets, Poetry, Improv, Pop Up Parks, Black Light Art, Choirs, Circus Arts, Extreme Crafts, Music, Murals, Dance, Workshops, Exhibits, Photos, Screen Printing, Body Painting, Jewelry Making and so much more.

A trip to the website is a MUST at www.elevatethearts.com to get a sense of the scope of programming and to learn about the diverse artists and performers who will be appearing! Download the schedule and plan out your day at this fringe style festival.

Some highlights?

Wednesday June 4th:

  • WordPlay Elevate Poetry Event – Union Street Grill 7 pm
  • Pecha Kucha 20×20 – CVAG 7pm

Thursday June 5th

  • Emerging Artist Showcase “Delinquency” at the Lower Elks 7 pm – all ages
  • Tribal Cafe Exotic Dance Journey at the Courtenay Legion 7 pm – all ages

Friday June 6th

  • Vanier Grad Art Show at Zocalo and Special Pop Up Performance from Celebration Singers at the Sid Plaza at 7 pm
  • DJ Eliazar Plays the CVAG Plaza – soundtrack to Elevate set up 6-8 pm
  • Live music with David Newberry, 2 Dope Boys and special guests at Union Street Grill 7:30 pm

Saturday June 7th

  • Acclaimed Puppeteer Tim Gosley – The Ugly Ducking Puppet Show 12:00 Courtenay Legion
  • The return of the Underground Craft Fair, with live music and enticing treats from Tria Fine Catering 10-5
  • Unbelievable feats and aerial arts from 7 Story Circus at 1 and 3 pm on Duncan Ave
  • Black Light Artists Celina Serotonin exhibit at the Lower Comox Valley Art Gallery
  • “Detonation” – An Explosive Hip Hop Showcase at 2 pm in the alley between 4th and 5th
  • Found Sound Poetry Slam at Union Street Grill 7 pm
  • Traditional Performance from Kumugwe Dancers at dusk on Duncan Ave 9 pm
  • NOVA! Fire Performance Troupe on Duncan Ave at 9:30 pm
  • Music Performances from Tongue &Groove, The Blackwood Two, Corwin Fox, David Newberry, Annie Becker, San Felix, Wand, The Moon Band, Colliding Canyons, Redwood Green, Sunday Dennis, em.ash and many many more.